I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). The Greek word “eirene,” translated peace in the New Testament, is a familiar word. It is used ninety-two times and appears in every book of the New Testament except 1 John. Before the birth of Jesus, Zacharias prophesied concerning his son, John the Baptist. In his preparatory ministry, John would “guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). At the birth of Jesus, there was a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14).
The Bible contains four hundred direct references to peace and many more indirect references. The Bible opens with man living in peace in the Garden of Eden and closes with the eternal peace of heaven. The call of the Gospel message is one of “peace.” Jesus linked peace with the fullness of the New Covenant contained in the Holy Spirit. He said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). While the Bible is filled with announcements and promises of peace, where is it? Someone said, “Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stops to reload.” Peace in Jesus is much more than a lull in the battle. It is a removal of the inner battle. The Hebrew author called it “rest” (Hebrews 41-11). Security in Jesus brings inner peace. I am a Jesus pusher!!!